Boulmer has a long record of heroic rescues at sea, since the village was first furnished with a lifeboat by the Duke of Northumberland back in 1825.

But in 1967 the RNLI decided to withdraw the service, and other small stations at Holy Island and Caister in Norfolk, sparking the community to buy its own private rescue boat.

Now, more than three decades on, the fishing village has finally been acknowledged by the Coastguard as a Recognised Declared Facility.

It currently owns the Pentland Knight, an 8.5-metre rigid inflatable which is ideally suited to the local coastline.

Claire Bowron, for Boulmer Volunteer Rescue Service, said: "We bought the boat in 2006 but due to lack of use in previous years, the Coastguard needed to hear from us more regularly.

"A lengthy process of training, paperwork, hard work and commitment from a new crew and committee ensued, which has successfully resulted in us becoming recognised by the Coastguard from May. This is a huge achievement by all involved."

Mrs Bowron added: "The very existence of BVRS is thanks to the generosity and kindness of so many people."